With just one week remaining until New Democrats select a new federal leader, the frontrunner in the race is making plans for a transition team and aiming to leverage his campaign infrastructure for the upcoming election. Avi Lewis expressed optimism about his campaign’s momentum despite the party’s current challenges in Parliament.
New Democrats will convene next weekend in Winnipeg to elect a new leader, nearly a year after Jagmeet Singh’s resignation following a historic election defeat. Lewis emphasized the readiness of his team to continue building on their achievements, citing surpassing expectations in donations and new memberships.
Lewis disclosed that his campaign has raised $1.2 million in early fundraising, surpassing his primary competitor, Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, by more than double. He highlighted the substantial campaign staff funded by these donations, potentially outnumbering the remaining federal NDP personnel in Ottawa.
In his vision for the NDP, Lewis pledged to revitalize the party comprehensively, focusing on financial stability, organizational strength, candidate recruitment, and community engagement nationwide. He clarified that he does not intend to pursue a byelection immediately if elected, prioritizing other aspects of party revitalization.
The leadership hopeful will host a final rally in Winnipeg before the convention, where the new leader will be announced on March 29. Despite his confidence in his campaign, Lewis acknowledged the unpredictable nature of politics and stressed the importance of a persistent sprint to the finish line.
Apart from Lewis, the leadership race includes candidates McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tony McQuail, and Tanille Johnston. McPherson reiterated her commitment to the NDP regardless of the election outcome, emphasizing her dedication to serving as the MP for Edmonton Strathcona and fostering party relationships across provinces.
Ashton, another contender, believes he could secure victory as voters’ second choice and aims to unite party members divided between the McPherson and Lewis camps. He declined to disclose details of discussions with McPherson’s campaign about strategic voting, emphasizing his respect for members’ autonomy in decision-making.
Throughout the final campaign days, Ashton will embark on a solo road trip from Vancouver to Winnipeg, engaging with communities en route. Despite facing fundraising challenges compared to his rivals, Ashton remains proud of his campaign efforts and emphasizes his commitment to the party’s growth and unity.